Hike the Table Mountain Highway off the Beaten Path

September 30, 2013

Table Mountain overlooks the stunning city of Cape Town. From above the mountain travelers will have the chance to admire the beautiful South African villas, the abundant vegetation, and of course, the superb skyline. The mountain is an unexplored hiking destination for avid voyageurs looking to embark upon a memorable adventure. Get to know the people on your trip, uncover mysterious villages, and have the time of your life off the beaten path throughout Table Mountain.

Introducing Villa Table Mountain
Prior to starting your hiking adventure, you should find yourself a lodging place. Villa Table Mountain is positioned above the turmoil of the Camps Bay beachfront, in a peaceful spot with serene surroundings and beautifully adorned vegetation. Guests are welcomed to pick their rooms and benefit from supreme relaxation in this deserted yet extremely soothing accommodation facility. Table Mountain is packed with villas and additional lodging facilities, so backpackers and hikers will certainly find them on their way to the top of the mountain. Out of so many trails, avid voyageurs are invited to explore Table Mountain at its fullest potential.

Platteklip Gorge (Front Table)
The route will make you feel like a genuine explorer willing to uncover something extraordinary on top of the astonishing Front Table. The trail is crowded with magnificent views that seem to surround the mountain from both parts. Grab your camera and capture outstanding pictures of Robben Island, Cape Town City, Table Bay, and Signal Hill seen from above. Besides, the path is famous for its impressive vegetation, as well as for the chance it offers travelers to admire the gorge’s rock face. Once you arrive at the top of the gorge, the cableway from where you can get plenty of amazing views will be only at a 10-minute distance away. If you want to relax and breathe some fresh air, this route is the perfect choice to unwind and admire the South African fauna and flora.

Skeleton Gorge to the Front Table through Maclear’s Beacon
The route starts at Kirstenbosch Gardens, and consists of a simple walk that will take you to the steepest climb of the mountain. However, the effort is totally worth it, because once you get in the gorge, its amazing indigenous forest will make you feel peaceful and relaxed. You will have to walk very close to the stream, and you will soon have to climb some ladders and scramble over a rockfall that will make you feel the adrenaline running through your veins. The highest point of the route is Maclear’s Beacon, which can be easily reached by hiking along the mountain’s eastern side. Once you get to Maclear’s Beacon, you will be able to admire some breathtaking views over the entire Table Mountain chain.

Kirstenbosch – leads to Camps Bay
Is the weather windless and sunny? If yes, then you should definitely get ready for a hike over Table Mountain towards Camps Bay. The route guarantees that you will come across all the great attractions featured by Cape Town in only a day. What can be more amazing than a wonderful indigenous forest and a magnificent beach, which is famous all over the world?
However, bear in mind that this trail is not very easy, since it implies hiking via the Kasteelpoort and Skeleton Gorge, known for their steepness. Take a break and then continue your hike towards Maclear’s Beacon. Before arriving to Maclear’s Beacon turn left and continue hiking through Echo Valley. This route will have you crossing several small bridges, but you will soon arrive at a T-junction, where you will have to turn left so that you can descend towards Camps Bay. This trail has exactly what you need to fall in love with nature, so you should definitely give it a try.

Devil’s Peak
The routes provided by Table Mountain can be climbed by all types of tourists, but Devil’s Peak is different because it’s steep and off the beaten path. Yet, it’s equally surreal and the experience will definitely exceed your expectations. Devil’s Peak doesn’t feature a vast plateau, but only a summit, and as soon as you get to the top, you’ll feel like the king of the world.
South Africa and its spectacular Table Mountain is the perfect travel spot for adventure travelers fond of hiking and trekking. On your way to the top you’ll stumble upon plenty of lodging places and traditional villas ready to welcome you with their cozy rooms and culinary delicacies.

Author Bio: Jason Phillips likes to write about travel, trips and holidays. His love for travel started several years ago. He recommend a travel site Capeportfolios who have been Cape Town's leading villa rental specialists since 2001.